Q: Liz, you’re a Performance & Life Coach and a company director, with a long list of coaching clients and a very full diary. Why did you decide to add writing a book to your to-do list?!
A: Because it was an idea I just couldn’t get out of my head and I don’t think I really thought too much about it when I started it. When I began it was just one story that was based on a technique I had learnt and honestly I’m not even sure why it came into my head but once it had it seemed to take on a life of its own. It’s true my world is very busy and sometimes I have to remind myself to practice what I preach by balancing my work and home life. But I can safely say it’s been the most rewarding and interesting experience I’ve ever had (and am still having).
Q: How did you manage to find time to put pen to paper?
A: When you really want to do something you will always find time for it and make it a priority, we as human beings are really good at that! It’s the stuff we aren’t that fussed about we find a little harder to get on with, like for instance, I need to sort through my pile of paperwork for filing, that’s not as easy to find time for 😉 and although this has been a very time-consuming experience, it has now set us at EqUa upon a path that I feel is right for us as a company. With books we can spread our ideas and approach to life further and it enhances our workshops too so I can’t wait for this to metamorphosis into a workshop version, it could be great fun and really empowering too.
Q: In a crowded market of self-help books, how did you come up with such a unique take on it all?
A: Funnily enough I didn’t come up with anything really, well not on purpose – it just happened. What I mean is that I didn’t sit at a desk or in a brainstorming session thinking what kind of different idea can we come up with? It really was just an idea that popped into my head. I guess I have always been a lover of stories and metaphors rather than to-do lists (don’t quote me on this if I write a to-do list book now haha!) but I do love how stories can change our brain’s way of unconsciously thinking and I guess that’s the root of the book. Also, our style of coaching is very much about letting go of old ways of thinking, which I feel this book fits.
Q: You have worked with the artist Katie Watts of Crowblack Studio — how did you discover her work and what was it like working with her?
A: Katie, ah what can I say, she is just the most giving and humble human being I have ever had the pleasure to work with. She’s the partner of a TV colleague I have worked with in the past and I saw her work on his social media I think, or on someones, social media in common and fell in love with her natural style. Her illustrations are so open and beautiful and she puts her heart into everything she does and you can really feel that whenever you view her work. I certainly know it feels like the book would not be what it is without her illustrations, they compliment it perfectly and we were on the same wavelength from the get-go. I think you can tell it was a joy on my part – one I hope to repeat in the future.
A: How did it feel when you held the first copy back from the publishers in your hands?
Q: Hmmm that’s an interesting question because I don’t really remember. I was so involved in design and layout which I have Matt Underwood to thank as his design is beautiful and again it made the book come to life, so decisions about the paper thickness and colour etc. meant I was too involved in wanting it to be perfect to really take it in properly. It was only when Jo told me to sit down and experience the moment, I did and it really felt perfect.
Q: Using only ten words, how would you describe the book?
A: “Stories to enhance a change of mind and heart”.
Q: Who should read your book?
A: Honestly, anyone who wants to change something in their lives. Which is pretty much all of us, it’s the type of book to have on the shelf and re-read when necessary. That is actually a friend’s summary, but I like it!
Q: Which authors do you most admire?
A: Oh gosh, so many; Phillip Pullman, JK Rowling, Ruby Wax, Michael Neill, Richard Wiseman. There are just too many but currently, I’m reading Ruby Wax’s Being Human and The Psychology of Time Travel by Kate Mascarenhas.
Q: What advice would you give to anyone wanting to write their own book?
A: Don’t let anyone else put you off and don’t get too caught up in reading about how to write a book, just write and keep going until it feels right to stop. In other words, it doesn’t need to be a perfect first draft.
Q: Where can we buy your book?
A: Well, all the obvious places – it’s online at Amazon and Waterstones now and it will be available on our website for signed copies. Then various local bookshops – it’s just been added to Coles in Bicester.
Q: Lastly, I understand you have already outlined your second book and have someone pretty special in mind to write the foreword, is that right?
A: We actually have a few book ideas on the go but yes there is one in particular that will have an exciting foreword but I can’t tell you yet sorry!!!! All will be revealed in due course but all the ideas are very exciting.
Q: So, what else is next for you and EqUaCoaching?
A: Well apart from the next few books, we are planning an online coaching program which will be a very stimulating and fun way to change your mindset and an affordable option if one-to-one is out of your budget or you would like to see if you like our style first. We have already written it so will begin filming it later this year. Plus we are developing a workshop to complement the book. Oh, and a holiday to Cornwall for me to rest up a little ready for Summer’s madness. Anddddd breathe 🙂
If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, addiction, panic attacks, feeling overwhelmed or just simply want to talk, please get in touch to book a one-to-one session with either Jo or Liz. Sessions are either in person or via Skype and are completely confidential.
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